First hard antler buck of 2019

Found my first hard antlered buck on TC this morning 8-21 when I checked them. Last year the first one was 8-19 at the same feeder.

Bucks still not really showing up at feeders on small place in Stephens County yet. I know they are there... too many hogs visiting regularly which is hindering deer sightings

Nice!

We have been so busy and out of pocket this season only made it to the ranch 2 times. Don't even have velvet pics lol.

I saw one in the process of losing velvet on Saturday in Hamilton Co

I have seen the bucks hanging near trees just the last couple days on my cameras. I know they are out there scraping and making rubs, trying to get the velvet off. Just saw the first true hard antlers last night. Bucks gonna start some fighting in the next month. Fun time to be in the woods

We usually see the velvet drop off in Sept. We will see on Labor Day weekend.

I have a hard antler 8 point on camera from 8/14. Seemed a little early to me but hey, this year has not been typical by no means! I am in Polk county!

Little early, no?

Last year at the same feeder and might be the same buck. Thanks to trail cams I have seen bucks on different ranches loose their velvet in late August every year. Usually a rain shower will trigger them to shed a little early when the velvet is tight/dry looking but that was not the case for this buck this year.

I had a handful of bucks in the yard tonight (and a new big 8) but one had some discoloring at all his tips like they were drying out. Was hoping for more tine length on a wide 10 but I guess the growing season is about done.

Interesting. I've never seen hard antler in August. Always thought September was that magic time.

This one was hard antlered August 14th. Earliest I have ever seen!